Chartplotter issue
- Thread starter GordC
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If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
boathealer
Guru
Looks like an internal display memory or display controller connection issue, either the IC's themselves or an internal flex-film connector. Could be a solder joint on one of the IC's.
Once everything heat up internally, things expand, and the connection is re-established.
If you have a mind to, it might not be too bad just to take it apart and re-seat any of the display connectors inside. The display IC's would be a bit more work to re-heat solder, etc.
You can test this theory by finding a way to warm the unit (sun, oven on warm) and the powering it up from scratch and see if that fixes it. I assume that if it has "fixed itself" after a period of time and you switch it off and back on right away the problem is not there?
Just a thought.....
Once everything heat up internally, things expand, and the connection is re-established.
If you have a mind to, it might not be too bad just to take it apart and re-seat any of the display connectors inside. The display IC's would be a bit more work to re-heat solder, etc.
You can test this theory by finding a way to warm the unit (sun, oven on warm) and the powering it up from scratch and see if that fixes it. I assume that if it has "fixed itself" after a period of time and you switch it off and back on right away the problem is not there?
Just a thought.....
Another option if you haven't done this; Has it been a while since you updated the operating system software? Once its warm and running normal, you can go through the menu system to find out what SW version is currently running, then compare it to what Garmin has to offer on their website.
If its like the 5000 series it has an SD card slot to load new OS SW. You can make a software load SD card using a PC and the Garmin website (and its free), which takes you through the steps. then you insert the SD card into your chart plotter and it should automatically read it and load the new OS.
If its like the 5000 series it has an SD card slot to load new OS SW. You can make a software load SD card using a PC and the Garmin website (and its free), which takes you through the steps. then you insert the SD card into your chart plotter and it should automatically read it and load the new OS.
boathealer
Guru
Good to always have latest software. Good recommendation.
Not to be argumentative in any way, but those symptoms are not a software (version) problem. Its memory or display controller hardware. (I'm a computer engineer and working on this kind of stuff for 25+ years.....)
If you are not experienced with electronics repairs, opening it up isn't going to do you a lot of good. It's possible (as somebody mentioned) that it's caused by a loose connector and resetting the connectors might fix it but you would be better off having someone with experience trying this.
I could be wrong but I believe the 4012 series is more than seven years old. Garmin offers repairs (actually they exchange yours for a refurbished unit) but I suspect yours is too old to qualify. Contact them and ask.
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I could be wrong but I believe the 4012 series is more than seven years old. Garmin offers repairs (actually they exchange yours for a refurbished unit) but I suspect yours is too old to qualify. Contact them and ask.
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boathealer
Guru
This is a good point. My experience with Garmin has been very good with them going above and beyond regarding equipment that is out of warranty. Not speedy-fast, mind you, but good nonetheless.
GordC
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Great advice as always. I did update the firmware when the problem started but as Boathealer mentions it made no difference. Did get some nice new features though. Looks like my next step is to call Garmin.
High Wire
Guru
A long time ago marine electronics used to include drawings of the circuits inside the box to help troubleshoot problems and you could buy service manuals if so inclined. Now you send it back to the factory or buy another. Good luck. It least it still works eventually.
boomerang
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It very much looks like a loose ribbon cable that connects the driver to the screen. If you bump it gently with your fist on one side or the other,does the screen flicker or get better or worse? If that's the case ,it's probably as simple as opening the case & reseating the cable.
GordC
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Thanks Boomerang. Excellent tip. Booted up the Garmin yesterday and wouldn't you know it, it worked perfectly. Nothing more frustrating than an intermittent problem. Anyway I tapped it and no flickering. I think I will open it up anyway and reseat the cables as you suggest.
boathealer
Guru
Um, I think I suggested that in #4 above......
Was the ambient temperature warmer than previous? Colder?
boathealer
Guru
Yes you did Boathealer. The old brain ain't what it used to be.
That sounds like a good sign, GordC!
If any part of the copper connection is visible when you pull them apart (like the flat-flex cables), use a pencil eraser on the accessible copper surfaces to clean them. Then, also, see if you can find some di-electric grease ("bulb grease" in Wally World auto section) and put a TINY bit of it on the connections before you re-seat.
Just a couple of thoughts from an OCD-engineer who is anal about their boat stuff......
GordC
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I opened the Garmin and couldn't spot any ribbon cables that appear to go to the screen. I am wondering if the four connectors on the left with the white wires are feeding the screen. I tried to disconnect one and couldn't so thought I better give up before I break something. I put the beast back together and of course it is working just fine. I'm thinking I will just use it until the top part of the screen fails permanently and I have something to show a technician.
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boathealer
Guru
Sorry to hear. The circuit board on the left that the white wires are connected to is likely the power supply. The wires look like switched outputs to me.
If you had a mind to, I'd pull and re-seat all of the connections visible (in red below) anyway - it couldn't hurt. Some of them may have a latching mechanism that may need a small screwdriver to release.
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boomerang
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Turn the unit on with it disassembled, gently press on all of the solder joints/connections etc with something small & non-conductive like a pencil eraser to see if the problem comes & goes. A bad solder joint or connection is sometimes easier to find that way.
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